National Trade Secret Lawyers 

Every business protects key information that contributes to its success and distinguishes it from competitors. In the context of business law, these are called trade secrets. 

Trade secrets vary depending on the industry, but some examples include: 

• Software code
• Financial account records
• Formulas
• Data strategies
• Computer algorithms 
• Inventions and products awaiting patents

With contemporary technology, it’s now easier than ever for confidential information to be exposed. The trade secret attorneys at Martensen IP each have over 20 years of experience helping clients secure their intellectual property and advantages in the marketplace. We can assist you in creating documents and establishing procedures that keep the valuable information driving your success confidential. 

Call us at (719) 358-2561 to schedule a consultation with our trade secret attorneys, or send us a message using our contact form. 

Protecting Trade Secrets

Information is never secure on its own. To qualify as legally protected “trade secrets,” certain procedures and rules must be instituted and followed at your business. This includes things like nondisclosure agreements (NDAs), confidentiality contracts, non-compete agreements, policies for handling confidential information, and more. 

Without such a framework, a court will often refuse to legally protect the information you sought to keep confidential. If this is the case, your trade secrets could be shared, diminishing your business’ competitive edge. 

Martensen IP understands the critical role trade secrets play in business valuation. Value directly relates to a company’s ability to capture, maximize, and secure its advantages over its competition. Trade secret protections support these advantages by ensuring other businesses cannot capitalize on the valuable codes, algorithms, formulas, marketing strategies, or other commercial solutions that drive your business’ success. 

Defending Your Intellectual Property

At Martensen IPMartensen IP, our team of experienced trade secret attorneys is dedicated to protecting your intellectual property rights. Whether you need assistance with trade secret protection, enforcement, or litigation, we have the knowledge and expertise to guide you through the process.

Our trade secret services include:

• Trade secret audits to identify and protect valuable information
• Drafting and negotiating confidentiality agreements
• Enforcing trade secret rights through legal action
• Litigating trade secret disputes in court

Don't leave your intellectual property vulnerable to theft or misuse. Contact Martensen IP to learn how we can help safeguard your trade secrets and preserve your competitive advantage.

How Do I Determine If Information Should Be Classified As A Trade Secret Or Patented Instead?

Determining whether to classify information as a trade secret or seek patent protection depends on several factors. At Martensen IP, our national trade secret lawyers help clients make informed decisions to best protect their intellectual property.

Trade Secrets

• Definition: Trade secrets include formulas, practices, designs, processes, or any confidential business information that provides a competitive edge.
• Duration: Trade secrets can last indefinitely, as long as they remain confidential.
• Disclosure: They do not require public disclosure, allowing your methods or data to stay private.
• Protection: Requires robust internal measures to maintain secrecy, such as non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and restricted access.

Patents

• Definition: Patents protect inventions and grant the holder exclusive rights to use, sell, and license the invention for a fixed period.
• Duration: Typically lasts 20 years from the filing date.
• Disclosure: Requires full public disclosure of the invention, detailing how it works and how it is made.
• Protection: Provides legal recourse against unauthorized use but requires regular maintenance fees.

If your innovation can be easily reverse-engineered or if long-term secrecy is impractical, a patent might be more suitable. However, if maintaining confidentiality is feasible and the value lies in secrecy, it might be best to classify it as a trade secret.

For tailored advice, contact Martensen IP. Our Colorado Springs trade secret attorneys serve clients nationwide and are here to help you navigate these decisions. Contact our nationwide trade secret lawyers at (719) 358-2561 for expert guidance.

Contact Our Trade Secret Attorneys

As trade secret advisors, Martensen IP’s legal team counsels businesses on the trade secret policies and procedures that can increase their value. We will provide advice that is informed by an intimate understanding of your company, best business practices, and our extensive legal knowledge. With several decades of relevant experience gained from practicing in large national law firms in Silicon Valley and Colorado, as well as many years of government service, our lawyers will leverage their diverse legal experiences and business insights to your benefit. 

At Martensen IP, our attorneys will help you identify what information may qualify as a trade secret under the law and establish a framework to protect it. From drafting contracts to helping you institute policies regarding the handling of data, we’ll utilize a variety of strategies to protect the information that enhances the value of your business. 

If you’re ready to secure your competitive advantage, contact our trade secret lawyers by calling (719) 358-2561.